Overview

Election disputes, including those arising around vote counting and certification, may wind up in court. Pennsylvania has three levels of courts that hear such disputes—the State Supreme Court, the Commonwealth Court, and the Courts of Common Pleas. Pa. Const. Art. V, §§ 2, 4, 5.

State Supreme Court

Commonwealth Court

Courts of Common Pleas

Election and Vacancy Information (for all courts)

• Elected: Justices and judges are elected at the November municipal election in the year preceding the beginning of their terms. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 13(a).
• Term of Office: Justices and judges serve 10 year terms. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 15(a).
  • Justices and judges may seek reelection in a retention election, where they face no opponents, rather electors vote yes or no whether the justices or judges should serve for another 10 year term. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 15(b).
• Qualifications: Justices and judges must be citizens of the state, members of the state bar, and reside in the state for a year preceding their election. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 12.
  • Judges and justices must retire by the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 16(b).
• Vacancy: A vacancy is filled by appointment of the Governor, with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the members of the Senate. The curtailed term will end on the first Monday of January following the next municipal election more than ten months after the vacancy occurs or for the remainder for the unexpired term, whichever is less. Pa. Const. Art. V, § 13(b).